Russian authorities said they will launch a criminal investigation into possible negligence after a floating crane overturned in the port of Sevopol on Oct. 28. The crane's capsizing left two people dead and 20 injured, according to Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razzhaev.

Media reports said the crane was in the midst of a lifting test in the afternoon when it overturned. At least 15 people into the water and were receiving medical treatment, seven of whom had already been hospitalized, according to reports.

The two dead were a mechanic and a sailor according to the Moscow Times. The crane, dubbed "Gregory Prosyankin," was built to support the construction and maintenance of nuclear submarines and surface. The project has been plagued by delays and funding issues. The crane project was first announced in 2018 with a maximum lifting capacity of 700 tons a displacement of 6,200 tons. Completion of the project was scheduled for 2020.

The crane was reportedly about 5% complete. Work on the project was suspended in 2023, and there were reports at the time that the crane could be dismantled and moved from the Seastopol Marine Plant to another shipyard to complete construction. It is unclear when construction on the crane will resume.

Razvozhaev said the Investigation Department of the Russian Federal Investigative Committee will investigate the incident, which has been classified as an "anomaly."

【Port information】

Sevastopol is a port city located on the coast of the Black Sea, a major port of Russia in the Crimean Peninsula, and the location of the Russian Navy base and headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. ‌